Madam Speaker, I am informed that the Cotton Bay Hotel, which was constructed in 1991, had been operating with a capacity of 60 rooms. I am also informed by the Officer-In-Charge of Airport Holdings Ltd that, on 15 March 2023, the Board of Pointe Coton Resort Hotel Co. Ltd approved the renovation of the existing 60 rooms and the construction of 32 additional rooms, as well as upgrades to the public areas, back-of-house facilities, technical building and associated external works and drainage infrastructure. On that same date, the Board of Pointe Coton Resort Hotel Co. Ltd approved that the hotel renovation and extension project be undertaken at the revised estimated cost of Rs650 million, excluding VAT. That was on 15 March. On 12 June 2023, the contract for the refurbishment and extension works was awarded to Laxmanbhai and Co. (Mauritius) Ltd at the cost of Rs 683,501,922.42 – they don’t forget the cents. Again, that’s exclusive of VAT. I must point out, Madam Speaker, that the Letter of Award was signed on behalf of Pointe Coton Resort Hotel Co. Ltd, by Mr Ken Arian, Director, without Board approval. Signed without Board approval! It was only four days later, that is, on 16 June 2023 that the Board of Pointe Coton Resort Hotel Co. Ltd approved that the contract be awarded to Laxmanbhai and Company (Mauritius) Ltd at the negotiated price of Rs683,501,922.42, again exclusive of VAT. Worse, Madam Speaker, this Letter of Award of 12 June 2023 was

27 ratified by the same Board only on 18 September 2023, that is, a bit more than three months later. Now, an additional amount of Rs28,321,006, exclusive of VAT, representing variation works, was incurred and brought the renovation project to Rs711,822,928.42. So far, an amount of Rs650,715,715, exclusive of VAT, has already been paid to the contractor. Furthermore, from the period May 2023 to April 2024, contracts were awarded to 28 suppliers for the procurement of other components of the project, including furniture, kitchen and laundry equipment – you would have thought it’s called money laundering equipment – as well as the purchase and installation of a desalination plant, at the total cost of Rs86,342,073.63. As at date, an amount of Rs78,128,965 has been disbursed to these contractors. I am tabling the information with respect to these 28 suppliers. Madam Speaker, as if that was not enough. An additional sum of Rs15,962,062 was disbursed by the company to 22 service providers for communication, training, IT System and insurance, amongst others. Again, I am tabling this information. And, I am sure hon. Members will be surprised, wait for it – a further amount of Rs 83,918,643 has been paid to 12 consultants, including Etwaro & Associates Ltd. This information is again being tabled.

(Interruptions)

Nothing to do with him.

(Interruptions)

It’s not written in the same way. Madam Speaker, so, we are faced with a project which was initially estimated at Rs650 million and which is now estimated to cost taxpayers Rs1,024,956,038. An hon. Member: Dan valiz! Voler!

This represents an increase of 58% of the original. An hon. Member: Rampli dan valiz! An hon. Member: Chor!

Mahachor.

28

This is a classic example of how projects were implemented under the previous regime. To date, an amount of Rs788,347,569, excluding VAT has been paid to the contractor, the different service providers and the consultants. Madam Speaker, in view of these really disturbing facts that have emerged from the way this project has been handled since its inception, a 58% increase, including the dubious procurement process (approval before the Board approves), this matter is being referred to the Financial Crimes Commission for investigation.

Yes, hon. Third Member for Grand’Baie and Poudre d'Or! IMF & WORLD BANK – 2025 SPRING MEETINGS – MAURITIUS’ REPRESENTATION